The pounding headache, the pounding in my chest from my heart, the ticking from the white wall clock has me on edge knowing it's just a matter of time before I hear the words I've been dreading to hear. I tried for a month or more, to get myself prepared for this day, but now this dreadful day is here, and I am a total nervous wreck.

A soft knock causes me to and take a deep breath in. I force my mouth open and push out the words after clearing my throat.

"Come in," I whisper.

"Good afternoon, Melinda. My I please have a seat?" My manager Jenna asks as she motions towards the white desk chair.

"Of course, please," I motion towards the chair.

"I know neither of us have been looking forwards to this horrible day, but unfortunately, this day has arrived."

"You couldn't persuade Mr. Brinks to give me a few more weeks, Jenna?" 

"I'm so sorry, Melinda. I promise you; I begged him to give you two more weeks, but with the loss of even more sales, it just isn't possible. Here, take these. I took the liberty to write your resume for you and recommendations. I personally made sure it's glowing. There is no way I can see you having any problems landing another job, Melinda. You are so intelligent and incredibly talented." She assures me. My eyes glance at the wall behind her and notice the picture I placed there a few days ago. This lightbulb flipping on moment happens. She too looks around. After making my way to the wall, pull the picture from it.

"Hmm, I simply say."

Melinda, what are you thinking?" she asks curiously.

"Jenna, this building on Silver Street is still up for sale, right?" 

"Um, yes. It just went up for sale less than a week ago. Why do you ask, Melinda?"

You know, Jenna, as much as I have loved working here and with all of you, maybe it's time to consider being my own boss. Running a company isn't exactly new to me or beyond my experience. It's what I've practically been doing here for many years."

"Are you saying you're considering buying the old dance studio, Melinda? Not that this is any of my business, but can you afford to buy it?" She asks and a grin form over mt face.

"Oh yes, I can afford it, Jenna. You know, it's just a matter of time before this company sadly goes belly up."

"I know, Melinda. Believe me, that's all I worry about. We have let so many of the employees go in the past three months it's just a matter of time before I'm let go."

"Exactly. You too are going to have to think about finding another job-a job that will pay all your bills just like me, Jenna."

"Yeah, Melinda. I know that look in your eyes, I've seen it many times right when you are getting one of your brilliant ideas. Spill it, Mel."

"You know over the years you and I have become good friends not just boss and employee, Jenna."

"Yes, Melinda, this is true. I do consider you to be one of my closest friends," she warmly smiles.

"And I feel the same about you, Jenna. I mean just because we will no longer be working together here any longer together doesn't exactly mean we can never work together again, right?"

"Right, Mel. Something is brewing in that mind of yours," she grins.

"Ok, Jenna. You and I both have so much experience running a company and we also have experience working at clubs, restaurants we both know how to mix drinks. We both did all of that in college.

"Yes, we both did. Wait a minute, are you wanting to open a club, Melinda?"

"Yes, but here comes the part I hope you agree to, Jenna."

"Oh God, what?"

"It's the kind of club that will serve more than just mixed drinks and food. Let's just say it will also serve some naughty fun and entertainment." 

"Melinda, are you wanting to open up an adults club?"

"Yes, Jenna, I am, but it needs to be kept somewhat quiet. I want it to be one of those clubs you have to know someone trustworthy to get in."

"Oh, ok," she replies unsure.

"Well, come on. Tell me what you think," I say and watch her start to pace back on forth on the pale gray carpet.

"You know, Mel, I think you can count me in." She smiles.

"Really? That's what I was hoping you would say, Jenna. I have a good feeling about this. I need to take a few weeks and go over some numbers and work things out, but I am determined to do this. And I am so happy to have you on board with me, Jenna." 

"I trust you know what you're doing, Mel. This is something I haven't exactly done before, take a leap of faith, but I will with you."

"Thank you, Jenna."

After two months have passed, I find myself standing in my club. Took a little longer to take ownership than I thought it would, but it is finally all mine.

"Hey, you, I am finally back, Jenna says.

"I see you got the napkins. Thank goodness. Our order should have been here two days ago, but the guy I talked to on the phone assures me they will be here before the weekend."

"I hope so, Melinda, we open next weekend. Are you nervous?"

"Some, but I am more excited than nervous. You?"

"I feel the same. It's going to be so nice no longer having a grumpy boss," she teases.

"I know what you mean, Jenna. Our former boss was always so moody. We no longer have to worry about that."

"Mel, I told the few people you asked me to tell, I know you told your sister, is she on board with coming here sometimes to help out?" 

"Yeah. I could see the excitement in her eyes. She will help out here as much as she can." 

"Good. And the few people I told can be trusted here."

"Happy to hear it." 

"I'm so happy we don't have much more work to do before opening next weekend."

"Me too, Jenna. Just think, this time next Friday, it will be our grand opening. I just hope we accumulate a lot of customers."

"I think we will, Melinda. A few of the people I was talking to said they have been wishing for a club like this. Don't worry, Secret Pleasures will be booming in no time. It's going to be the club a lot of people have been wishing for."

"Yeah, I think you're right, Jenna. Let the fun times begin."

"Does those fun times include you, Mel?" 

"In the erotic area?  Not so much. I still have those pesky scars from my asshole ex. Nope, I'll be all business and no erotic fun."

Jenna Manchin Aged 33 Works At Secret Pleasures